IRVINE, Calif. — The last time California Baptist University faced Azusa Pacific, the Lancers walked away wanting another crack at the Cougars. The No. 19-ranked Lancers got just that as they pushed through adversity Friday afternoon to avenge their earlier road loss, taking a 78-67 victory over the No. 11 Cougars.

"When the guys came out after our final pregame preparations, there wasn't a whole lot that needed to be said," said head coach Rick Croy. "There was very little motivation needed. These guys were ready to go. We got outcompeted at their place and were looking forward to this game ever since."
 
CBU improves to 24-5 heading into the PacWest Tournament championship game on Saturday, while APU — which currently ranks as the No. 1 team in the NCAA Division II West Region — has to wait until the selection show on Sunday to see where it enters the tournament and whether or not it will host the region round.
 
Three Lancers finished the night in double figures, led by Gelaun Wheelwright with 20 points (4-for-8). Ryan Berg was right on his tail, finishing with 19 points (5-for-11, 7-for-7 FT). Taj Spencer rounded out the trio with a double-double, posting 16 points (5-for-8) and 13 rebounds.
 
From the moment the Lancers hit the court, the determination and motivation was clear in their eyes, they were ready for the Cougars.
 
CBU opened with an 11-3 run with Berg knocking down a three to put the Lancers in front by eight early. The Cougars tried to keep it close, but it wasn't long before CBU had established a double-digit lead as Chris Brown drove to the basket to put his team in front 20-10.
 
The Lancers threatened to extend their lead into the 20-point range as Berg drained another shot from the perimeter to make it 39-20 in favor of CBU. APU managed to put together a run of its own, slicing the margin down to 11 points, but the Lancers built it back up. Spencer and Wheelwright combined for seven unanswered points to give CBU a 47-29 cushion at halftime.
 
APU scored the first points of the second half, trying to cut into the Lancers' double-digit lead. The Cougars managed to bring it into single-digit territory briefly, but Wheelwright responded with a deep three-pointer to put his team back in front by 10 at 53-43.

"We thought they'd throw a big punch at us in the second half, but we just needed to stay within the eye [of the storm] and we'd prosper," said Spencer.
 
Things intensified up as the half went on and APU pulled within one, 58-57, looking like it would come down to the wire. The Lancers kept the Cougars at an arm's length, extending their lead to two possessions as Wheelwright finished two chances at the charity stripe with just under seven minutes to go.

"It was a hard-fought game," said Berg. "It was a ball game. We came through down the stretch, got stops and made shots."
 
Heading down the stretch with a five-point margin, 67-62, the Lancers made big stops on defense to stay in front. Michael Smith made a crucial put-back to further distance CBU from APU and a Cougar turnover put the Lancers back on the attack with 3:14 left to play.
 
The Lancers kept their heads despite APU trying to foul back into the contest with just over a minute left, taking the game 78-67.

"The second half wasn't pretty, but two teams competing with everything they have is what March is about," said Croy. "It was one of the most competitive games I've ever been a part of."
 
CBU will face BYU-Hawaii/Dixie State in the final on Saturday at 4:15 p.m. While the Lancers are already the No. 2 team in the West Region, a win could push them to the top of the region to host the first round of the NCAA Division II.

"We're excited," said Croy. "The six teams that are here representing the PacWest are at a high level. These are great basketball games. We know tomorrow is going to be a big time game and our guys are excited."

"Can't wait," added Spencer.